Graeme Downie

Similar measures have already been introduced in the UK through the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024. This introduces new rules to protect consumers from being trapped in unwanted subscription contracts, including a requirement for traders to provide straightforward ways for consumers to end contracts. These rules apply to all traders who target UK consumers, whether they are located in the UK or not. Nevertheless, the US initiative sets a standard the Government welcomes.

Similar measures have already been introduced in the UK through the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024. This introduces new rules to protect consumers from being trapped in unwanted subscription contracts, including a requirement for traders to provide straightforward ways for consumers to end contracts. These rules apply to all traders who target UK consumers, whether they are located in the UK or not. Nevertheless, the US initiative sets a standard the Government welcomes.

The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 introduces new rules to protect consumers from being trapped in unwanted subscription contracts, including a requirement for traders to provide straightforward ways for consumers to end contracts. The Government will be consulting later this year on proposals to inform the secondary legislation required to implement the regime.

While I have not yet had any discussion on this matter, I welcome news of any plans that Scottish Power may have for developing projects that could help in the transition to clean power, including hydrogen production. Low carbon hydrogen can play a key role in our 2030 Clean Power Mission, as well as creating good jobs in our industrial heartlands, delivering a just transition, and achieving net zero.

As of 30 September, there were 119,244 members of the Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme.

Defra applied to the European Commission in February 2020 for the United Kingdom (UK) and Crown Dependencies to be listed as a ‘Part 1’ third country for the purposes of the EU pet travel scheme having met all of the EU’s stated conditions to be granted this. However, the EU formally ‘listed’ the UK as a ‘Part 2’ third country, meaning pet owners can no longer use pet passports issued in Great Britain (GB) for travel to the EU and instead need a single use Animal Health Certificate (AHC).

The Government wants to reset our relationship with the EU and will meet with European partners over the coming months to discuss how we might deepen cooperation. However, it is too early to speculate on the scope or outcome of these discussions, including in relation to pet travel.

Defra applied to the European Commission in February 2020 for the United Kingdom (UK) and Crown Dependencies to be listed as a ‘Part 1’ third country for the purposes of the EU pet travel scheme having met all of the EU’s stated conditions to be granted this. However, the EU formally ‘listed’ the UK as a ‘Part 2’ third country, meaning pet owners can no longer use pet passports issued in Great Britain (GB) for travel to the EU and instead need a single use Animal Health Certificate (AHC).

The Government wants to reset our relationship with the EU and will meet with European partners over the coming months to discuss how we might deepen cooperation. However, it is too early to speculate on the scope or outcome of these discussions, including in relation to pet travel.

Animal Health Certificates are obtained from an official veterinarian. All fees are set by veterinary surgeons or veterinary practices and are a private matter between individual practices and their clients.

Data on the number of Veteran's Railcards issued is collected by the Rail Delivery Group but is not published due to its commercially sensitivity. Access to this data can be requested, on application, from RDGPublicAffairs@raildeliverygroup.com.

Data on the number of journeys made using a Veteran's Railcard is collected by the Rail Delivery Group but is not published due to its commercially sensitivity. Access to this data can be requested, on application, from RDGPublicAffairs@raildeliverygroup.com.

To qualify for any payments of the new State Pension, people usually need at least 10 qualifying years of National Insurance contributions or National Insurance credits when they reach State Pension age. The contributions could be as a result of employment, self-employment or people could make voluntary National Insurance Contributions. There is also a wide range of National Insurance credits available, ensuring people can achieve the best possible State Pension outcome. In some circumstances, years built while living in countries with a reciprocal arrangement can be taken into account.

The Government makes personalised information available through the online Check Your State Pension Forecast service, which includes details about an individual’s National Insurance record and their State Pension eligibility.

The Government also provides support to older people on low incomes. Pension Credit provides a safety net for those most in need and is not based on National Insurance contributions. Pension Credit is a means tested benefit which targets help at the poorest pensioners and is a passport to other financial support including the Winter Fuel Payment, help with housing costs, council tax, heating bills and a free TV licence for those over 75.

The department does not hold the information required to answer this request. Please see below a link to a publication from the National Records of Scotland that holds data pertaining to this request.

UK Parliamentary Constituency Population Estimates (2011Data Zone based) | National Records of Scotland (nrscotland.gov.uk)

We recognise the challenges including the emotional and physical impacts that hyperemesis gravidarum can have on pregnant women and their families. Appropriate and evidence-based guidance is crucial.

NHS England regularly reviews all health guidance, including relevant guidance on managing hyperemesis gravidarum. In its guidance on antenatal care, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence refers to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists’ guidance on hyperemesis gravidarum which is also available for patients and staff to consider.

We continue to work closely with counterparts in the devolved nations, including the Scottish Government and NHS Scotland.

My Rt hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has not had any discussions with the General Dental Council (GDC) regarding the length of time it takes for Ukrainian nationals to take the Overseas Registration Exam (ORE).

The Department does not collect or hold information about the number of dentists that have completed the GDC’s ORE, the number of Ukrainian dentists who have completed their ORE, or the average waiting time to sit the ORE exam.

With regards Ukrainian refugees’ applications to register as dental professionals in the United Kingdom, the GDC understands that refugees may face difficulties in providing original documentation and, if that is the case, encourages applicants to contact the GDC’s examinations team, who will help them to consider how they might go about meeting the requirements. More information for refugee dental professionals can be found on the GDC’s website, which is available at the following link:

https://www.gdc-uk.org/registration/join-the-register/information-for-refugee-dental-professionals

My Rt hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has not had any discussions with the General Dental Council (GDC) regarding the length of time it takes for Ukrainian nationals to take the Overseas Registration Exam (ORE).

The Department does not collect or hold information about the number of dentists that have completed the GDC’s ORE, the number of Ukrainian dentists who have completed their ORE, or the average waiting time to sit the ORE exam.

With regards Ukrainian refugees’ applications to register as dental professionals in the United Kingdom, the GDC understands that refugees may face difficulties in providing original documentation and, if that is the case, encourages applicants to contact the GDC’s examinations team, who will help them to consider how they might go about meeting the requirements. More information for refugee dental professionals can be found on the GDC’s website, which is available at the following link:

https://www.gdc-uk.org/registration/join-the-register/information-for-refugee-dental-professionals

My Rt hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has not had any discussions with the General Dental Council (GDC) regarding the length of time it takes for Ukrainian nationals to take the Overseas Registration Exam (ORE).

The Department does not collect or hold information about the number of dentists that have completed the GDC’s ORE, the number of Ukrainian dentists who have completed their ORE, or the average waiting time to sit the ORE exam.

With regards Ukrainian refugees’ applications to register as dental professionals in the United Kingdom, the GDC understands that refugees may face difficulties in providing original documentation and, if that is the case, encourages applicants to contact the GDC’s examinations team, who will help them to consider how they might go about meeting the requirements. More information for refugee dental professionals can be found on the GDC’s website, which is available at the following link:

https://www.gdc-uk.org/registration/join-the-register/information-for-refugee-dental-professionals

My Rt hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has not had any discussions with the General Dental Council (GDC) regarding the length of time it takes for Ukrainian nationals to take the Overseas Registration Exam (ORE).

The Department does not collect or hold information about the number of dentists that have completed the GDC’s ORE, the number of Ukrainian dentists who have completed their ORE, or the average waiting time to sit the ORE exam.

With regards Ukrainian refugees’ applications to register as dental professionals in the United Kingdom, the GDC understands that refugees may face difficulties in providing original documentation and, if that is the case, encourages applicants to contact the GDC’s examinations team, who will help them to consider how they might go about meeting the requirements. More information for refugee dental professionals can be found on the GDC’s website, which is available at the following link:

https://www.gdc-uk.org/registration/join-the-register/information-for-refugee-dental-professionals

The UK strongly condemns the Myanmar military's airstrikes on civilian infrastructure, including schools, hospitals and places of worship. This is unacceptable. To date, the UK has imposed six sanctions targeting the import of aviation fuel, focusing on three individuals and three entities. The UK remains committed to sanctions that directly impact the military without adversely affecting the wider population, and this will be a key consideration in any future designations.

To support customers, an enhanced online State Pension forecast service was launched on 29 April 2024. This included new functionality that enables the majority of working age customers to view any gaps in their national insurance contributions and make payments online where this would be beneficial. The service has successfully allowed a large number of people to self-serve, with a satisfaction rate of over 80%.

HMRC and DWP have launched a significant communications campaign to encourage people to check their National Insurance contributions, with paid-for marketing supporting our wider low-cost communications.

Some examples include a recent press release published on 7 October 2024 on GOV.UK reminding people of the deadline that has also been publicised by a range of media outlets, including Money Saving Expert. We also undertook a range of activity as part of Pensions Awareness Week in September and Talk Money Week in November. Communications included emails to 2.3 million employers and 110,000 agents, social media posts and stakeholder partnership work with organisations including British Innkeepers, DHL, Unilever and MoneyHelper, who have all helped to promote the campaign.

Continued promotion activity ahead of the deadline in April will include a robust social media strategy and continued interaction with media outlets and external partners. We are also due to publish a new explainer video, covering VNICs and how people can use the online service.

People normally have six years to pay voluntary National Insurance contributions (vNICs). An extended deadline was put in place to provide transitional arrangements as part of the introduction of the new State Pension (SP), originally ending in April 2023. Since the deadline extension to support customers, the online Check your State Pension forecast was enhanced and launched on 29 April 2024. New functionality enables the majority of working age customers to view their payable gaps and make payments online. This service has successfully allowed a large number of people to self-serve, with a satisfaction rate of over 80%.

The National Insurance helpline remains in place for customers who are unable to use the online service or who need additional assistance. Previous deadlines have resulted in significant telephony demand, and HMRC is putting in place measures to manage the expected demand in the run-up to the 5 April 2025 deadline, including managing the deployment of resources, the use of interactive voice response messaging and directing customers to the digital service.

The UK’s home insurance market is competitive, with many providers offering a wide variety of insurance products to suit the needs of customers. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the independent regulator of financial services, has a statutory objective to promote competition in the interests of consumers.

FCA rules require firms to offer products that deliver fair value to consumers (i.e. if the price a consumer pays for a product or service is reasonable compared to the overall benefits they can expect to receive). The FCA monitors firms to ensure they comply with its rules and has powers to take action if necessary.

The 2025-26 Scottish Government block grant funding will be confirmed at phase 1 of Spending Review 2025 on 30 October 2024.

It is for the Scottish Government to allocate their funding in devolved areas, including agriculture.

Navantia UK, the prime contractor for the Fleet Solid Support (FSS) ship programme, is responsible for delivering the Design and Manufacture contract. The successful completion of the Preliminary Design Review marks the first major milestone in the programme and confirms the robustness and maturity of the ship’s design.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) including representatives from the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) are well engaged with Navantia and the British designer of the ship, BMT, to monitor the progress of all aspects of the programme. This includes the RFA’s accommodation requirements, which are designed to a standard that is fully consistent with our expectations and is compliant where practicable with Merchant shipping regulations. The FSS design meets this intent, in order to improve the living conditions for our RFA seafarers.

Crewing levels are based on a detailed analysis of the MOD’s requirements. The core RFA crew is expected to be around 100 in number with additional military augmentees and specialists embarked for specific tasks and roles. As the design matures the MOD, working with the contractor, test the ship design and equipment selection criteria against this headmark, to ensure that the ship can be safely operated and maintained.

Navantia UK, the prime contractor for the Fleet Solid Support (FSS) ship programme, is responsible for delivering the Design and Manufacture contract. The successful completion of the Preliminary Design Review marks the first major milestone in the programme and confirms the robustness and maturity of the ship’s design.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) including representatives from the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) are well engaged with Navantia and the British designer of the ship, BMT, to monitor the progress of all aspects of the programme. This includes the RFA’s accommodation requirements, which are designed to a standard that is fully consistent with our expectations and is compliant where practicable with Merchant shipping regulations. The FSS design meets this intent, in order to improve the living conditions for our RFA seafarers.

Crewing levels are based on a detailed analysis of the MOD’s requirements. The core RFA crew is expected to be around 100 in number with additional military augmentees and specialists embarked for specific tasks and roles. As the design matures the MOD, working with the contractor, test the ship design and equipment selection criteria against this headmark, to ensure that the ship can be safely operated and maintained.

The annual cost for maintaining decommissioned submarines varies each year depending on the respective maintenance requirements. In financial year 2023-24, £1.711 million was spent at Rosyth and £7.056 million at Devonport.

As part of the AUKUS partnership, Australia will be responsible for the disposal of its own conventionally-armed, nuclear powered submarines. While there are no plans to include the Submarine Dismantling Project as part of AUKUS, the UK Government continues to support the Australian Government to develop their own plans for the disposal of their retired nuclear powered submarines, including decommissioning, defueling, dismantling, recycling, and the management of the used fuel following its removal.

The Submarine Disposal Capability project was established in 2022 to identify an enduring disposal solution. The project is in its Concept Phase and market engagements were undertaken in July 2023 and June 2024 to inform the optimum way ahead.

The next phase of this work is to develop a business case for approval which will set out the approach and future timelines for any procurement action, including further marker engagement, such as the publishing of a Contract Notice.

The government is committed to structural or economic development funding and we will provide further details regarding funding beyond March 2025 at the next Spending Review.

Local places will rightly be seeking clarity on existing funding commitments. The Government is giving full consideration to this matter, including the hard work undertaken on projects to date, and will continue dialogue with local leaders.

I have not, but I am aware that you have written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer on this matter in connection with infrastructure enhancements that may be required at the port of Rosyth.

This Government recognises the importance of upgrading our port infrastructure, and that is why we have created the National Wealth Fund, which will bring together key institutions and a compelling proposition for investors.

The National Wealth Fund is now open for engagement, and can be contacted via www.uknwf.org.uk.

My officials have spoken with colleagues in the Department for Transport and the Treasury on this matter and I am aware of your campaigning on this issue.

This Government recognises the importance of upgrading our port infrastructure, and that is why we have created the National Wealth Fund, which will bring together key institutions and a compelling proposition for investors.

The National Wealth Fund is now open for engagement, and can be contacted via www.uknwf.org.uk.

The UK Government is committed to supporting those who served and risked their lives for this country - a great number of whom I know live in my honourable Friend’s constituency. The Office for Veterans Affairs continues to work closely with the Scottish Government as key areas of policy and support delivered to veterans are devolved. This includes support with employment, mental health, and housing. For example, the veteran employment pathway provides employment and career development support for veterans across the UK, and veterans in Scotland who are homeless can access a UK-wide referral housing pathway.

Scotland has always produced world-class engineers, and this Government is committed to growing the economy and supporting the sector all across the UK.

Scotland is at the forefront of the Government’s mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower by 2030, which in itself will create a range of new opportunities for engineering apprentices in Scotland. Great British Energy, our new publicly-owned clean energy company, will be headquartered in Scotland; in addition to delivering energy security and lower prices for consumers, it will create thousands of jobs and build supply chains across the UK as new technologies are deployed. In addition to GB Energy, further opportunities for engineering apprentices will arise from the National Wealth Fund, which will unlock further investment opportunities for the local ports, heavy industry and manufacturing companies that have a crucial role to play in creating quality jobs and in our transition to net zero.

Scotrail run rail services in both Fife and wider Scotland, and responsibility for these services lie with the Scottish Government. Similarly, ferry services are also devolved to the Scottish Government. This Government is, however, working to ensure public ownership across rail services. The Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Bill will ensure that ScotRail is kept in public hands.

This Government is committed to resetting the relationship with the Scottish Government to ensure we can work together to deliver for the people of Scotland on the things that matter most to communities, including on transport links between Scotland and the rest of the UK. I have already met with the Deputy First Minister on numerous occasions to discuss a variety of issues. My officials regularly engage with their counterparts in the Scottish Government, working with their colleagues in the Department for Transport, to identify opportunities for collaboration on improving transport and other services.